Police Assessment

A main focus for the past year in West Valley City government has been evaluating and retooling certain aspects of our police department.  Since hiring Chief Russo at the end of last year the City Council has taken particular interest in following not only the changes and improvements to the department, but also how the police department has begun to more successfully integrate with the greater West Valley City community. Below is a summary sheet of findings and action items that the Chief discusses during his monthly community meetings:

ORGANIZATIONAL ASSESSMENT & NEEDS

FINDING: A SOLID FOUNDATION EXISTS BUT IMPROVEMENTS ARE REQUIRED

Action:

• Ensure responsible and appropriate polices; update where necessary.
• Implement administrative accountability and enforce when required.
• Develop an environment of operational focus, alignment, and follow –thru.
• Build, implement, and monitor effort with strategic view.

 

FINDING: DEPARTMENTAL STRENGTH AND EXCELLENCE

Action:

• Competence and motivated staff.
• Empowerment and engagement within.
• Look for opportunities to recognize and reward successes.

 

FINDING: ORGANIZATIONAL REALIGNMENT AND STRUCTURAL REFORM

Action:

• Look for opportunities to improve efficiencies and effectiveness.
• Align resources and effort.
   

FINDING: NEED FOR NEW LEADERSHIP AND MORE EFFECTIVE SUPERVISION

Action:

• Establish and follow a progressive vision and clear mission
• Establish accountability at all levels
• Leadership Development
• Command Support

 

FINDING: BUILDING CONFIDENCE IN INTERNAL AFFAIRS AND THE DISCIPLINE PROCESS

Action:

• Consistency
• Fairness
• Timeliness
• Disciplinary Matrix
• Standardize case investigation and documentation
• Thoroughness
• Openness
• Impartiality
• Case assessment and assignment

 

 

FINDING: LEADERSHIP NEEDED IN INVESTIGATIONS

Action:

• Accountability
• Inspection
• Coordination and Liaison
• Assessments, follow up, and closure.

FINDING: PUBLIC IMAGE, CONFIDENCE & TRUST

Action:

• Proactive and positive media engagement
• Openness
• Recruiting
• Public Accountability

• Responsiveness to community concerns/problems
• Building Trust & Confidence – Internal & External

FINDING: CHALLENGES IN NARCOTIC INVESTIGATIONS

Action:

• Accountability
• Integrity
• Supervisory guidance
• Inspection
• Operational tactics and guidelines

FINDING: INTELLIGENCE-LED POLICING

Action:

• Intelligence Development and reporting
• COMPSTAT
• Action Assessment and feedback

FINDING: POLICIES AND PROCEDURES NEED IMPROVEMENT

Action:

• CALEA Commitment